Posted on 05/06/22

Questions To Ask Before You Ship A Car

There are several things to know while transporting an automobile. It's crucial to select the appropriate mode of transportation, investigate potential automobile transport providers, check their references and reputations, and comprehend the car transfer procedure. Here are some queries to ask before shipping your automobile to ensure you're making the greatest choices for it.

Choosing the Right Transport Method

When it comes to exporting your automobile, you have a variety of alternatives, including open transport, enclosed transport, and flatbed transport. Before choosing a strategy, it's crucial to take into account your demands since each approach has pros and pitfalls of its own.

Open transport is the most common method of car transport. This involves shipping your car on an open-air trailer, which can carry up to 10 cars at a time. While this method is generally more affordable than other options, it does expose your car to the elements during transport.
Enclosed transport involves shipping your car in a fully enclosed trailer, which protects it from the elements during transport. This method is typically more expensive than open transport, but it offers additional protection for your car.
Your vehicle will be transported using a flatbed truck. This approach is frequently utilized for short distances and makes loading and unloading your automobile simple. It does not, however, provide the same level of safety as enclosed transportation.

Researching Car Transport Companies

Once you've chosen a transport method, it's important to research different car transport companies to find the best fit for your needs. Here are some questions to consider when researching companies:

Check the company's reputation online by reading reviews on Google, Yelp, and other review websites. Look for patterns in the reviews, such as complaints about late delivery or damage to vehicles.
Verify the company's insurance and licensing for the transportation of autos.
Ask the company how long they've been in business and how many cars they transport each year. You may also want to ask for references from previous customers.

Verifying Credentials and Reputation

Before you choose a car transport company, it's important to verify their credentials and reputation. Here are some questions to ask:

Motor Carrier (MC) numbers are required for all auto transport companies. On the website of the FMCSA, you may use this number to look up the carrier's safety history and insurance status.
Make sure the carrier has insurance that covers damage to your vehicle during transport. You can ask for a copy of the carrier's insurance policy to verify coverage.
On the website of the FMCSA, you may check the carrier's safety history by looking up their Safety Measurement System (SMS) score. A high rating can suggest a greater chance of mishaps or safety breaches.

Preparing Your Car for Transport

There are a few procedures you can take before shipping your automobile to guarantee it arrives in the best possible condition. Here are some questions to think about:

Is my car clean and free of debris? It's important to wash your car thoroughly and remove any personal items or loose items from the interior and trunk.
Is it necessary for me to empty my petrol tank? Most auto transport firms ask that your petrol tank be less than a quarter full, but double-check with the business you're dealing with.
Are there any leaks or mechanical issues with my car? It's a good idea to address any leaks or mechanical issues before shipping your car. This can help prevent damage during transport.
Do I have a spare tire and jack? It's important to make sure your car has a spare tire and jack in case of an emergency during transport.
Have I taken pictures of my car? Taking pictures of your car before shipping can help you document any damage that may occur during transport.

Asking for Quotes and Comparing Prices

Once you've prepared your car for transport, it's time to start researching car transport companies and getting quotes. Here are some questions to consider:

Is the company licensed and insured? Make sure the company you're working with is licensed and insured to protect your car during transport.
What types of transport services does the company offer? Some companies offer open transport, while others offer enclosed transport. Make sure you understand the different options and choose the one that's best for your car.
How long will it take to transport my car? Make sure you understand the timeline for transport and factor it into your plans.
What is the cost of transport?

Finalizing the Transport Arrangements

It's time to finalize the transportation arrangements after you've picked a car shipping business and agreed on pricing. Here are some questions to think about:

When will the car be picked up and delivered? Make sure you understand the pickup and delivery schedule and factor it into your plans.
Who will carry my vehicle? Ascertain that you have the name and contact information of the driver who will be transporting your vehicle.
How will my car be secured during transport? Make sure you understand how your car will be secured during transport to prevent damage.
What is the process for filing a claim in case of damage? Make sure you understand the process for filing a claim in case of damage during transport.
What forms of payment does the company accept? Make sure you understand the payment process and have the necessary funds available.

Conclusion

Shipping a car can be a complicated procedure, but by asking the proper questions and doing your homework, you can make it a stress-free experience. You can help guarantee that your automobile gets to its destination in the best possible condition by preparing it for travel, requesting estimates and comparing pricing, and finalizing the transportation arrangements.